Bringing Merry Claus to Life

  • Merry Claus and the Holiday Dash co-author Stefani Pineda, there a red background with bokeh lights. She is Latina, has wavy hair, is smiling, and wearing a denim jacket and large hoop earrings.

    Stefani Pineda

    Co-author Stefani has fond memories of celebrating Nochebuena with her family and is so excited to bring her Mexican traditions to children everywhere.

  • Merry Claus and the Holiday Dash co-author Ellen H.S. She has shoulder-length brown and a wide smile, wearing a green sleeveless top with white floral patterns, seen outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Ellen H. S.

    Co-author Ellen’s enthusiasm for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging was the inspiration behind Merry’s story. She is thrilled to bring together this team of strong and diverse women to make Merry’s book a reality.

  • Merry Claus and the Holiday Dash illustrator, Luz Lara Villalpando. She hasglasses and dark hair smiling, seated at a table in a colorful room with pink walls and a floral curtain.

    Luz Lara Villalpando

    Talented illustrator Luz brings her passion, skill, and beautiful Mexican culture to each page of our book. She is so excited for children to see Latin traditions and details come alive in a story everyone can enjoy.

  • Colleen Brunetti of Bannon River Books, she has shoulder-length dark brown hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a blue and white floral dress and silver jewelry, standing outdoors in front of a decorated Christmas tree with lights and green branches.

    Colleen Brunetti

    Publisher and consultant Colleen is the owner of the publisher, Bannon River Books. She brings her skill and industry insight into each detail of the process, and loves nothing more than to see people smile when they pick up a good book.

  • Book designer Arlene Sotto. She is Latina and has curly hair, she is wearing glasses and a black top, smiling in a snowy outdoor setting.

    Arlene Sotto

    Graphic design artist Arlene is a talented book designer and owner of Intricate Designs. She brings her keen eye for planning and detail to creating the joyful cover, and beautiful layouts.

  • DEI Consultant, Isabelle Felix. She is an African American woman with curly hair and glasses wearing a shiny blue dress, smiling with a sparkly, pinkish background.

    Isabelle Felix

    DEI consultant, editor and reader Isabelle brings her expertise and personal insights to the book, helping to ensure cultural diversity and accuracy. She loves celebrating Nochebuena and Christmas with her multicultural family and finds joy in collaborating with an amazing group of diverse creatives to bring stories like this to life.